Swing

ABSTRACT

A swing comprises a seating surface, and a rigid member coupled to a central portion of the panel are such that the seating surface extends completely about the rigid member The rigid member is to be coupled to a flexible member from which the panel is suspended. The rigid member extends upward from the seating surface sets to space the seating surface from an omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member. The rigid member supports a handle or manually grippable member.

BACKGROUND

Disc swings typically include a platform suspended by a rope from asupport, such as a tree limb or swing frame. Such disc swings are oftendifficult for a child to mount and may sometimes be difficult to ride.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example swing.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG.1.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG.1.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example swing 20. Swing 20 comprises what may begenerally referred to as a disk swing, wherein the seating surface issuspended by a single flexible member, such as a rope, from an overheadsupport. However, unlike traditional disk swings, swing 20 offers acombination of a seating surface panel, rigid member and handle thatfacilitate easier mounting and use by a child.

As shown by FIGS. 1-3, swing 20 comprises panel 24, rigid member 26,handle 28 and flexible member 30. Panel 24 comprises a structure thatprovides a seating surface 34 upon which a person is seated. In theexample illustrated, panel 24 comprises a flat panel having a flat upperseating surface 34. In other implementations, panel 24 may have athree-dimensional or contoured upper face or seating surface. In someimplementations, panel 24 may have a seating surface that is cushioned.For example, in one implementation, a seat cushion may be secured to anupper face of panel 24, wherein the seat cushion serves as the seatingsurface.

As shown by FIG. 2, in the example illustrated, panel 24 comprises acentrally located opening 38 through which rigid member 26 and flexiblemember 30 extend. In one implementation, opening 38 is located at orwithin 2 inches of a center of mass of panel 24. In the exampleillustrated, opening 38 extends completely through panel 24 from a topface 40 of panel 24 to the bottom face 42 of panel 24. In otherimplementations, opening 38 may terminate prior to reaching the bottomface 42. Opening 38 facilitates secure connection of rigid member 26 andflexible member 30 to panel 24. In other implementations, opening 38 mayalternatively facilitate secure connection of rigid member 26 to panel24, wherein flexible member 30 is connected to rigid member 26 and panel24 in other fashions. In yet other implementations, opening 38 may beomitted where rigid member 26 is connected to panel 24 in other fashionssuch as where rigid member 26 is fastened, bolted, bonded, welded orotherwise secured to the top face 40 of panel 24.

Rigid member 26 comprises a substantially rigid extension (bendable, ifat all, a maximum extent of less than 30° from vertical) that projectsor extends from top face 40 and above seating surface 34 of panel 24 soas to vertically space the seating surface 34 from an omnidirectionalpivot 46 of flexible member 30. The omnidirectional pivot 46 is alocation along flexible member 30 about which platform 24 and seatingsurface 34 pivot in substantially all directions (360°) about and withrespect to a centerline or central axis of flexible member 30. In oneimplementation, rigid member 26 vertically spaces the seating surface 34from the omnidirectional pivot 46 by at least 6 inches, raising pivotpoint 46 sufficiently above seating surface 34 and above the center ofmass of platform 24 to increase stability, enhancing the ability of achild to mount and ride upon swing 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the example illustrated, rigid member 26 extendsthrough opening 38 of panel 24 and terminates at an enlarged end 48 suchthat panel 24 rests upon the enlarged end. In the example illustrated,enlarged end 48 is provided by a knot 50 threaded onto rigid member 26below panel 24 and a washer 52 captured between not 50 and bottom face42 of panel 24. In other implementations, the enlarged end 48 may beformed from other structures extending from our joined to rigid member26. For example, the enlarged and 48 may be a cap or other structurewelded, bonded, fastened or integrally formed as part of rigid member26. In yet other implementations, rigid member 26 may partially extendinto panel 24, having an enlarged end received within an interior ofpanel 24 between faces 40, 42. In yet another implementation, rigidmember 26 may be bonded, fastened, welded or otherwise easier to topface 40 of panel 24 without extending into panel 24 (but for possiblefasteners extending into panel 24). In yet other implementations, rigidmember 26 may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with panel24.

In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 extends from a center ofmass of panel 24 perpendicular to top face 40 of panel 24. In anotherimplementation, rigid member 26 may extend from other portions of panel24, spaced from the center of mass of panel 24. In otherimplementations, rigid member 26 may obliquely extend from panel 24.

In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 comprises an elongate hollowtube through which flexible member 30 extends. As a result, rigid member26 facilitates reliable securement of flexible member 30 to panel 24 andfacilitates a knotted or otherwise enlarged end 54 of flexible member 30to be located below panel 24 and below enlarged end 48 such that theentire weight of swing 20 rests upon the enlarged end 54 of flexiblemember 30. In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 rigidifies thoseportions of flexible member 30 extending from below panel 24 andsubstantially through handle 28, wherein the portions of flexible 30that initially extend beyond rigid member 26 and handle 28 are thoseportions that are allowed to pivot in all directions to form pivot point46. In other implementations, rigid member 26 does not receive flexiblemember 30, but is connected to flexible member 30 by a hook, ring orother attachment mechanism connected to rigid member 26 at a top end ofrigid member 26 or coupled to a top end of rigid member 26 byintermediate or intervening portions of handle 28.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joiningmay be achieved with the two members or the two members and anyadditional intermediate members being integrally formed as a singleunitary body with one another or with the two members or the two membersand any additional intermediate member being attached to one another.Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may beremovable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shallmean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motionmay be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or viaintermediate members.

Handle 28 comprises one or more members supported by rigid member 26 ata height and positions so as to serve as a manually grippable memberhaving a handgrip 60. In the example illustrated, handgrip 60 projectsaway from a centerline of rigid member 26 and a centerline of flexiblemember 30 (when flexible member 30 extends along a pure vertical axisthat is 90° with respect to horizontal). In the example illustrated,handgrip 60 is centered about a horizontal axis and has a top or uppersurface 62 that faces upwardly, allowing a person to manually grippedhandgrip 60 about a top of handgrip 60. In one implementation, the topsurface 62 of handgrip 60 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches fromtop face 40 with a bottom of handle 28 spaced at least 6 inches aboveseating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 mayposition his or her legs below handle 28, on both sides or about rigidmember 26 while the person grasps panel 28. At the same time In oneimplementation, handle 28 is sized and supported above seating surface34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 abovehandle 28.

Handgrip 60 of handle 28 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secureand reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seatingsurface 34. In one implementation, handgrip 60 has a diameter D (shownin FIG. 2) of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or fullhandgrip by most individuals. In one implementation, handgrip 60 has adiameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete a full handgripby most children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person orchild utilizing swing 20 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 28,reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 20. In otherimplementations, handgrip 60 may have other diameters. For purposes ofthis disclosure, the “diameter” of handgrip 60 refers to a maximumdistance between two outer surface points on handgrip 60 and does notmean or imply that handgrip 60 necessarily has a circular cross-section.

Although handle 28 is illustrated as extending in a substantiallyhorizontal plane, perpendicular to rigid member 26 and perpendicular toflexible member 30 (when swing 20 is simply hanging vertically from asupport), in other implementations, handle 28 may have otherconfigurations are orientations. For example, handle 28 or handgrip 60of handle 28 may be downwardly sloped when projecting from or outwardfrom flexible member 30 or rigid member 26. In another implementation,panel 28 or handgrip 60 may be centered about a vertical or inclinedaxis, extending about rigid member 26.

In the example illustrated, handle 28 includes an internally threadedhub 66 which to readily receives and externally threaded portion ofrigid member 26. Panel 28 includes an opening 68 extending throughhandle 28 into which rigid member 26 extends and through which flexiblemember 30 extends. In other implementations, handle 28 may be coupled torigid member 26 in other fashions. For example, handle 28 may beintegrally formed as a single unitary body with rigid member 26 or maybe welded, bonded, fused, fastened or otherwise joined to rigid member26. Although handle 28 is illustrated as receiving a top end of rigidmember 26 and as extending above rigid member 26, in otherimplementations, handle 28 may alternatively be located completely aboverigid member 26 or rigid member 26 may extend completely through handle28 with portions of rigid member 26 projecting above handle 28. In someimplementations, rather than having an opening through which flexiblemember 30 extends, handle 28 may be directly connected or coupled toflexible member 30. For example, flexible member 30 may have a lower endthat is tied to otherwise connected to handle 28 rather than simplypassing through handle 28. In one implementation, flexible member 30extends through handle 28 with an enlarged end, such as a knot, bearingagainst an underside of handle 28. In another implementation, handle 28may comprise a ring or hook, facilitating the tying, hooking or snappingof a lower end portion of flexible member 30 to handle 28.

As shown by FIG. 1, the configuration of handle 28 and panel 24 arecoordinated with one another. In other words, the shape or configurationof handle 28 is coordinated with the outer profile or shape of panel 24or the image provided on top face 40 of panel 24. In one example, handle28 provides a manually grippable member having a shape corresponding toor associated with a subject, wherein the outer profile and/or imageformed on top face 40 of panel 24 (and seating surface 34) is alsoassociated with the subject.

In the example illustrated, panel 24 has an outer profile and an imageprovided on the upper face 40 of a vehicle, namely, a tractor. Handle 24has a shape corresponding to or associated with the tractor, a steeringwheel of the tractor. Because handle 24 is a circle, panel 24 provides acontinuum of different grip orientations and grip widths. Inimplementations where panel 24 is not circular or where rigid member 26is not concentrically connected to panel 24, the shape of panel 24 orthe image of panel 24 may provide a visual cue suggesting where theperson or child should sit upon panel 24. For example, the image of thetractor upon panel 24 as a depicted rear end a depicted front,suggesting to a child that he or she should sit at the rear of the panel24 with the depicted front tires of the tractor in front of him or her.

Flexible member 30 comprises an elongate flexible member suspending theremainder of swing 20 prone overhead support such as a tree limb, swingframe or the like. In the example illustrated, flexible member 30comprises a row. As shown by FIG. 2, flexible member 30 extends throughour passes through an opening in handle 28, through rigid member 26through the enlarged end 54 below panel 24 and below end 48. As notedabove, in other implementations, flexible member 30 alternativelysecured directly to handle 28 sit is being directly secured to a hookabove or below handle 28. In lieu of comprising a rope, flexible member30 may comprise a strap, a cable or other elongate flexible member.

Overall, swing 20 provides a disk swing having an omnidirectional pivot46 elevated above the seating surface and above the center of mass ofthe seating surface to provide a more stable mounting in writing of theswing. Handle 28 provides a handgrip about which a child's hands mayindividually wrap such a child may securely hold himself or herself onswing 20. The association between the seating surface and the handleprovide the child with an exercise implement that sparks theimagination. In some implementations, the graphics or profile/outline ofpanel 24 further provide visual cues as to a suggested seating locationfor the child.

FIG. 6 illustrates swing 120, another example implementation of swing20. Swing 120 is similar to spring 20 except that spring 120 comprisespanel 124 and handle 128 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28,respectively. Those remaining components of swing 120 which correspondto components of swing 20 are numbered similarly.

Panel 124 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 124 has an egg-shapedoval outer profile. The upper face 40 of panel 124 is provided with animage of a front view of a vehicle, namely a motorcycle, lookingrearward provided on top face 40. In other implementations, other userimages of a vehicle, and the motorcycle, may be provided on top face 40.For example, in another implementation, top face 40 may be provided witha top-down view of a vehicle, such as the depicted motorcycle,specifically providing an image of the motorcycle seat (identifying theseating surface of panel 24 rearward of handle 128) and the motorcyclecontrol console (forward of handle 128). In one implementation, arepresentation of a motorcycle control panel or console may be supportedby rigid member 26 facing rearwardly towards the seating surface of thedepicted motorcycle.

Handle 128 has a shape corresponding to the depicted motorcycle. In theexample illustrated, handle 128 is in the shape of motorcycle handlebars127 having explicit handgrips 160. Handlebars 127 outwardly locatehandgrip 160 such that a child can imaginatively believe that they areseated upon a motorcycle while swinging. Handlebars are located suchthat handgrip 160 do not impede the child's forward view while swinging.

Handgrips 160 extend or face towards the rear of the depicted image ofthe motorcycle. As a result, the depicted image of the motorcycleprovide a visual cue fragile as to where to sit (towards the rear of thedepicted motorcycle) facing the front of the depicted motorcycle whilegripping handgrips 160. Similar to handgrip 60, handgrips 160 arecentered about a horizontal axis and have a top or upper surface 162that faces upwardly, allowing a person to manually grip handgrip 160about a top of handgrip 160. In one implementation, the top surface 162of handgrip 160 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face40 of panel 124 with a bottom of handle 128 spaced at least 6 inchesabove seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface34 may position his or her legs below handle 28, on both sides or aboutrigid member 26 while the person grasps handle 28. In oneimplementation, handle 28 is sized and supported above seating surface34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 abovehandle 128.

Handgrips 160 of handle 128 has a shape and diameter to facilitatesecure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated uponseating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 160 have a diameterof less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by mostindividuals. In one implementation, handgrips 160 have a diameter ofless than 2 inches, facilitating a complete a full handgrip by most(95^(th) percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, aperson or child utilizing swing 120 may reliably secure and hold ontohandle 128, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing120. In other implementations, handgrips 160 may have other diameters.

FIG. 5 illustrates swing 220, another example implementation of swing20. Swing 220 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 220 comprisespanel 224 and handle 228 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28,respectively. Panel 224 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 224 hasan outer profile or shape corresponding to that of an American football,the profile of a prolate spheroid. Upper face 40 has an imagecorresponding to a football as well, namely, the seam and laces of anAmerican football. In one implementation, the image formed upon upperface 40 is laminated onto upper face 40. In another implementation,image foreign upon upper face 40 is printed, painted or otherwise formedon upper face 40. In yet other implementations, the image is formed intoor by upper face 40. For example, in one implementation, panel 24 mayinclude a polymeric upper face 40, wherein the image is molded orembossed into the upper face 40.

Handle 228 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 224is associated with, the same sport, football. In the exampleillustrated, handle 228 has a shape of a goalpost, with a lower crossbar227 and two uprights 229, wherein each upright 229 of the goalpostprovides a handgrip 260 extending along substantially vertical axes. Thelower crossbar 227 outwardly locates handgrips 260 such that handgrips260 do not impede the child's forward view while swinging.

Handgrips 260 extend upwardly from the crossbar 227. Because handgrips260 extend upwardly from crossbar 227, handgrips 260 provide multiplevertically spaced gripping locations, accommodating children ofdifferent ages and different sizes. In the example illustrated, crossbar227 also serves as a handgrip 261 should a child prefer a handgripextending along a horizontal axis or should the child be younger orsmaller such that the lower handgrip 261 is more comfortable.

In one implementation, the top surface 162 of crossbar 227 is spacedless than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 224 with abottom of handle 228 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his orher legs below crossbar 227 of handle 228, on both sides or about rigidmember 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 228. Inone implementation, handle 228 is sized and supported above seatingsurface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30above handle 228.

Handgrips 260, 261 of handle 228 has a shape and diameter to facilitatesecure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated uponseating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 260, 261 have adiameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgripby most individuals (approximately 95^(th) percentile). In oneimplementation, handgrips 260, 261 have a diameter of less than 2inches, facilitating a complete a full handgrip by most (approximately95^(th) percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, aperson or child utilizing swing 220 may reliably secure and hold ontohandle 228, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing220. In other implementations, handgrips 260, 261 may have otherdiameters.

FIG. 6 illustrates swing 320, another example implementation of swing20. Swing 320 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 220 comprisespanel 324 and handle 328 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28,respectively. Panel 324 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 224 hasan outer profile or shape corresponding to that of an American footballhelmet. Upper face 40 has an image corresponding to a front view of ahelmet football. In one implementation, the image formed upon upper face40 is laminated onto upper face 40. In another implementation, imageforeign upon upper face 40 is printed, painted or otherwise formed onupper face 40. In yet other implementations, the image is formed into orby upper face 40. For example, in one implementation, panel 24 mayinclude a polymeric upper face 40, wherein the image is molded orembossed into the upper face 40. In other implementations, panel 324 mayhave other shapes associated with the sport, namely football such as aside view of the helmet illustrating a team's logo, an outer profile andimage on face 40 of a football stadium, a team mascot, the footballfield and the like.

Handle 328 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 324is associated with, the same sport, football. In the exampleillustrated, handle 228 has a shape associated with a particularfootball team. In the example illustrated, handle 228 has a shape of awedge of cheese, traditionally being associated with what I referred toas “Cheeseheads”, fans of the Green Bay Packers professional footballteam. In other implementations, handle 328 may have other configurationscorresponding to objects or shapes associated with other teams, whetherthey be football teams such as when panel 324 is also associated withthe same sport of football or the particular football team, or whetherthey be other sports and/or teams such as football, basketball, hockey,soccer and the like.

In the example illustrated, handle 328, in the shape of a wedge ofcheese, has a flat rear face 360 serving as a visual cue indicating aper child where he or she should sit upon panel 324. As a result, achild is less likely to sit on a portion of panel 324 which will createan imbalance and less stability.

In one implementation, the top surface 362 of handle 328 is spaced lessthan or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 324 with a bottomof handle 328 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 suchthat a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or herlegs below handle 328, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while theperson grasps one or more portions of handle 328. In one implementation,the sides of handle 328 may have formed therein, handgrips. In oneimplementation, handle 328 is sized and supported above seating surface34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 abovehandle 328.

In one implementation, panel 328 comprises a block of soft, compressiblematerial or has an outer layer of soft, compressible material, such asfoam, providing the child with a cushion for those inches when the childbumps against handle 328. In addition to providing such a cushionagainst a child's torso (the waist to the neck), handle 328 allows achild to extend his or her legs about rigid member 26 directly beneathhandle 328. Even though handle 328 has a large horizontal, upwardlyfacing surface area, the underlying rigid member 26 has a much smallerhorizontal upwardly facing surface area (the smaller diameter of rigidmember 26), freeing up a greater region or area of upper surface 40 foruse as a seating surface or for supporting the child's legs. As aresult, panel 324 may have a smaller surface area while providing thesame seating surface area for a child.

FIG. 7 illustrates swing 420, another example implementation of swing20. Swing 220 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 420 comprisespanel 424 and handle 428 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28,respectively. Panel 424 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 224 hasan outer profile or shape corresponding to that of an a basketball, aspheroid wherein the outer profile is a circle. Upper face 40 has animage corresponding to a basketball as well, namely, the traditionalseam pattern of the basketball. In one implementation, the image formedupon upper face 40 is laminated onto upper face 40. In anotherimplementation, image formed upon upper face 40 is printed, painted orotherwise formed on upper face 40. In yet other implementations, theimage is formed into or by upper face 40. For example, in oneimplementation, panel 24 may include a polymeric upper face 40, whereinthe image is molded or embossed on or into the upper face 40.

Handle 428 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 424is associated with, the same sport, basketball. In the exampleillustrated, handle 428 has a shape of a basket, with a backboard 427and a rim 429, providing handgrips 460.

Handgrips 460 extend in a circle in a horizontal plane or along ahorizontal axis. Because handgrips 460 extend in a circle, handgrips 260provide multiple horizontally spaced gripping locations extending bothparallel and perpendicular to a front of the child seated upon seatingsurface 34 of panel 424. As a result, a child is offered multipledifferent gripping widths (the spacing between the left handgrip versusthe right hand grip) as well as different gripping orientations (theangle of the left and right handgrips relative to the front of the childor the front of backboard 427). For example, child may grip the front ofrim 429 for a first gripping orientation or may grip the sides of rim429 for different gripping orientations. Because rim 429 is a circle,rim 49 provides a continuum of different grip orientations and gripwidths.

In one implementation, the top surface 462 of rim 460 is spaced lessthan or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 424 with a bottomof rim 429 (and backboard 427) spaced at least 6 inches above seatingsurface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 mayposition his or her legs below handle 428, on both sides or about rigidmember 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 428. Inone implementation, handle 428 is sized and supported above seatingsurface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30above handle 428.

Handgrips 460 of handle 428 has a shape and diameter to facilitatesecure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated uponseating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 460 have a diameterof less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by mostindividuals (approximately 95^(th) percentile). In one implementation,handgrips 460 have a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating acomplete and full handgrip by most (approximately 95^(th) percentile)children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or childutilizing swing 420 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 428,reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 420. In otherimplementations, handgrips 460 may have other diameters.

FIG. 8 illustrate swing 520, another example implementation of swing 20.Swing 520 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 520 comprises panel524, rigid member 526 and handle 528 in lieu of panel 24, rigid member26 and handle 28, respectively. Panel 524 is similar to panel 24 exceptthat panel 524 has an outer profile or shape corresponding to that of abaseball, a spheroid wherein the outer profile is a circle. Upper face40 has an image corresponding to a baseball as well, namely, thetraditional stitching pattern of the baseball. In one implementation,the image formed upon upper face 40 is laminated onto upper face 40. Inanother implementation, image foreign upon upper face 40 is printed,painted or otherwise formed on upper face 40. In yet otherimplementations, the image is formed into or by upper face 40. Forexample, in one implementation, panel 24 may include a polymeric upperface 40, wherein the image is molded or embossed into the upper face 40.

Rigid member 526 is similar to rigid member 26 except that rigid member526 has a varying outer profile or shape corresponding to or associatedwith the same subject or theme of panel 524. In the example illustratedwhere the subject or theme is baseball (or softball), wherein panel 524corresponds to a baseball (or softball), rigid member of 5 to 6 is anouter profile corresponding to the shape of a bat. In the exampleillustrated, rigid member 526 has an enlarged lower end portion adjacentto panel 524 corresponding to the end of a bat of the upper portion ofrigid member 526 narrows forming the handgrip portion of the bat whichalso corresponds to the handgrip portion of handle 528.

Handle 528 is formed about or along an external service of rigid member526. Panel 528 has a handgrip 560 about which a person may independentlygrasp with one or both hands. Handgrip 560 extends along a verticalaxis, providing a child with multiple handgrips along the vertical axisdepending upon the child's age or size. Because handgrip 560 is avarying diameter along the vertical axis, handgrip 560 allows a child togrip those portions of handle 528 having a diameter that is mostcomfortable for the child.

As shown by FIG. 8, handle 528 further comprises an end cap 561, whereinhandgrip 560 extends about rigid member 526 between end cap 561 andupper face 40 of panel 524. End cap 561 has an outer diameter greaterthan the outer diameter of handgrip 560, providing a stop surface toinhibit a person gripped from sliding upward off of handgrip 560. Inother implementations, end cap 561 may be omitted.

Handgrip 560 of handle 528 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secureand reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seatingsurface 34. In one implementation, handgrip 560 has a diameter of lessthan 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by mostindividuals (approximately 95^(th) percentile). In one implementation,handgrip 560 has a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating acomplete and full handgrip by most (approximately 95^(th) percentile)children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or childutilizing swing 520 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 528,reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 420. In otherimplementations, handgrips 560 may have other diameters.

As further shown by FIG. 8, handgrip or handgrips 560 are provided bythose surfaces of a simulated object that also serve as a grippingsurface or handgrip for the object being simulated. In particular, thesimulated object is a baseball bat. It is not a real baseball batcapable of being used in a baseball game, but it has a shapecorresponding to a real baseball bat. Handgrip 560 is located on thesimulated object, the baseball bat, at the same location at the baseballbat would be gripped. As a result, panel 528 provides visual cueindicating to a child where he or she should grip handle 528. Inaddition, panel 528 provides a child with an imagination spark, thechild imagining that he or she is gripping a real baseball bat.

Although the example illustrated depicts panel 524 in the form of abaseball with rigid member 526 and handle 528 in the form thecorresponding sport equipment used to hit or propel the ball, a baseballbat, in other implementations, swing 520 may have associations withother sports. For example, panel 524 may alternatively have an outerprofile and an image corresponding to that of a tennis ball, whereinrigid member 526 and handle 528 are the shape of a tennis racket, thehandgrip 560 being located in the handgrip portion of the simulatedtennis racket. In another implementation, panel 524 may alternativelyhave the outer profile and an image of a golf ball, wherein rigid member526 and handle 528 are the shape of a golf club, handgrip 560 beinglocated in the handgrip portion of the simulated golf club.

FIG. 9 illustrates swing 620, another example implementation of swing20. Swing 620 is similar to swing 20 and swing 520 except that swing 620comprises panel 624, rigid member 626 and handle 628 in lieu of panel24, rigid member 26 and handle 28, respectively. Panel 624 is similar topanel 524 except that panel 624 has an outer profile and an imagecorresponding to that of a hockey puck. Rigid member 626 and handle 628are similar to rigid member 526 and handle 528 except that rigid member626 and handle 628 have the shape of a hockey stick, having a handgripportion 660 that is located in the handgrip portion of the simulatedhockey stick.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexample embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although differentexample embodiments may have been described as including one or morefeatures providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that thedescribed features may be interchanged with one another or alternativelybe combined with one another in the described example embodiments or inother alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the presentdisclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology areforeseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to theexample embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestlyintended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specificallyotherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element alsoencompass a plurality of such particular elements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A swing comprising: a panel having a seatingsurface; a rigid member coupled to a central portion of the panel aresuch that the seating surface extends completely about the rigid member,the rigid member being adapted to be coupled to a flexible member fromwhich the panel is suspended, wherein the rigid member extends upwardabove the seating surface so as to vertically space the seating surfacefrom an omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member; and a handlesupported by the rigid member, the handle having a handgrip with adiameter of less than 3 inches.
 2. The swing of claim 1 furthercomprising the flexible member.
 3. The swing of claim 1, wherein therigid member comprises a tubular member through which the flexiblemember extends.
 4. The swing of claim 3 further comprising an openinginto the panel and connected to an interior of the tubular member toreceive the flexible member.
 5. The swing of claim 4, wherein theflexible member terminates in a knot proximate the rigid member.
 6. Theswing of claim 1, wherein the handgrip of the handle is centered about ahorizontal axis.
 7. The swing of claim 1, wherein the rigid memberspaces the omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member from the seatingsurface by at least 7 inches.
 8. The swing of claim 7, wherein the rigidmember spaces the omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member from theseating surface by less than 12 inches.
 9. The swing of claim 1 furthercomprising an end cap having a first diameter, wherein the handgripextends about the rigid member between the end cap and the seatingsurface, the handgrip having a second diameter less than the firstdiameter of the end cap.
 10. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel hasa first shaped associated with a shape of a vehicle and wherein thehandle has a second shape associated with a shape of a steering deviceof the vehicle.
 11. The swing of claim 10, wherein the handle comprise asteering wheel.
 12. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel has anon-circular outer profile and where the rigid member extends from acenter of mass of the panel.
 13. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panelhas a first shaped associated with a first object of a sport and whereinthe handle has a second shape associated with second object of thesport.
 14. The swing of claim 13, wherein the second object of the sportcomprises a projectile of the sport.
 15. The swing of claim 14, whereinthe second object is selected from a group of objects consisting of: afootball, baseball, basketball, a hockey puck, a tennis ball, asoftball, and a golf ball.
 16. The swing of claim 13, wherein the secondshape corresponds to a manually gripped component of the sport.
 17. Theswing of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first shape associated with asporting team and wherein the handle has a second shape associated withthe sporting team.
 18. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel has afirst shape associated with a sport and wherein the rigid member has asecond shape associated with the sport.
 19. The swing of claim 18,wherein the second shape is selected from a group of shapes consistingof: a baseball bat; a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a goal post, and abasketball backboard.
 20. An apparatus comprising: a seating surface forbeing suspended by flexible member extending upwardly above the seatingsurface, wherein the seating surface is associated with a subject; and amanually grippable member supported above the seating surface outwardlybeyond the flexible member, the manually grippable member having a shapecorresponding to an element of the subject.
 21. The apparatus of claim20, wherein the seating service has a shape associated with the subject.22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the seating service has markingsassociated with the subject.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, or thesubject comprise a vehicle and wherein the manually gripped member has ashape corresponding to a steering component of the vehicle.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 20, the subject comprise a sport and wherein themanually gripped member corresponds to a manually gripped component ofthe sport.
 25. A swing comprising: a panel having a seating surface; arigid member coupled to a central portion of the panel are such that theseating surface extends completely about the rigid member, the rigidmember being adapted to be coupled to a flexible member from which thepanel is suspended, wherein the rigid member extends upward from theseating surface sets to space the seating surface from anomnidirectional pivot of the flexible member; and a handle supported bythe rigid member, the handle having a lower surface spaced above theseating surface by at least 6 inches.
 26. The swing of claim 25, whereinthe handle has an upper surface spaced above the seating surface by lessthan or equal to 12 inches